However, the Neims report doesn’t keep track of whether or not the facilities are functional and in good condition.
British politician, Peter Hain paid a visit to Ukhanyo Primary School and shared that the lack of sports facilities is an obstacle in nurturing young talent in schools.
In an interview, Hain also said:
This is a sporting country but its full potential is not being realised.
In 2017, retired South African cricketer Vincent Van Bijl established the MasiSports initiative at the school and the organisation has ambitions of reaching other schools.
MasiSports head coach, Nceba Jonas also shared how one of their cycling learners had not only become Captain of the cycling team but also improved in their academic performance and behaviour in the classroom. Jonas also pointed out that the talent that they have could do well in representing the country at a national level in both soccer and rugby.
Hain is of the opinion that the Education Ministers should be learning from this small but crucial initiative, so that it can be spread across the country.
Recently, it was reported that a school in Braamfischer is faced with the ordeal of an incomplete construction of school classrooms and sporting facilities.
The Department of Basic Education had also proposed for the timeframes established to address school infrastructure challenges to be eliminated, and lobby group, Equal Education had also been vocal about how this will make it hard for both communities and civil groups to hold government officials accountable.
